New York opens investigation into possible Intel antitrust violations

[JURIST] The state of New York Thursday began a probe into alleged antitrust violations by computer chip giant Intel [corporate website] for possible anticompetitive practices directed at rival chip maker Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) [corporate website]. New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo announced the investigation [press release] into possible breaches of both state and federal law, saying that his office has requested documents and information regarding an improper use of Intel's monopoly power to push AMD out of the market.

In October 2007, the US Federal Trade Commission said it would not open a formal investigation [JURIST report] into allegations that Intel offered unfair discounts to eliminate competition from AMD. In August 2007, American Antitrust Institute [advocacy website] President Albert Foer wrote a letter [PDF text] to the FTC urging such an investigation. The letter came after the European Commission [official website] filed formal charges [Business Wire report] against Intel in July for violating European Union competition laws. Similar probes have been conducted by the Korean Fair Trade Commission and the Japan Fair Trade Commission [official websites]. Intel has insisted that it merely engaged in "pro-competition" which was "ultimately beneficial to consumers." Intel could face fines in both Europe and Korea for engaging in anti-competitive behavior. Reuters has more.

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